Manmohan Singh: From economic reforms to environmental justice

Known for his unassuming demeanor, erudition, and steadfast resolve, Dr Manmohan Singh’s legacy as an economic reformer and a consensus-builder leaves an indelible mark on the nation.

In the same breath Dr Singh also passionately advocated for climate justice, emphasising that although India contributes minimally to global emissions, it remains committed to meaningful solutions on the global stage.

As PM, he highlighted his government’s dedication to environmental sustainability, including initiatives to empower tribal communities by restoring their control over forest resources, all while ensuring that development goals remain uncompromised.

Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), to Gurmukh Singh and Amrit Kaur, Singh’s academic brilliance took him from Punjab University to Cambridge University, where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957, followed by a D.Phil from Nuffield College, Oxford, in 1962. His illustrious career began in academia, followed by stints in the United Nations, the Indian government, and global financial institutions.

India’s transformative leader and the architect of its economic liberalisation, Dr Singh passed away on Thursday night at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at the age of 92.

The 1991 liberalisation

Singh’s appointment as Finance Minister in 1991 under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao came at a time when India was teetering on the brink of economic collapse. With the Reserve Bank of India pledging 46.91 tonnes of gold to raise $400 million, the country faced severe financial constraints. Singh’s visionary policies steered India away from the brink, dismantling the licence raj, liberalisng the economy, and opening doors to globalisation.

His reforms stabilised the economy and laid the foundation for India’s economic resurgence, earning him global recognition. His leadership during this period continues to be hailed as a turning point in India’s economic history.

Tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014)

As the 14th Prime Minister of India, Singh led the nation for a decade, navigating coalition politics and introducing landmark reforms. Under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, Singh’s administration launched initiatives like the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Right to Education (RTE) Act, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), empowering citizens and addressing socioeconomic challenges.

His government also championed environmental sustainability through the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008. This strategy included the National Solar Mission, which positioned India as a clean energy leader, and the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, restoring control of forests to tribal communities.

Singh strongly advocated for climate justice, asserting that while India bore little responsibility for global emissions, it would contribute meaningfully to global solutions without compromising development goals. The establishment of the National Green Tribunal in 2010 further underscored his commitment to environmental protection.

Navigating political turbulence

Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was not without challenges. His coalition government faced a confidence vote in 2008 over the Indo-US nuclear deal, surviving with a narrow margin. The UPA's second term, however, was marred by corruption allegations, including the 2G scam. Despite criticisms, Singh maintained his dignity, famously expressing hope that history would judge him more kindly than contemporary media and opposition.

A reluctant politician, a respected leader

Singh, who began his political journey in 1991 as a Rajya Sabha member, never won a Lok Sabha seat. Often described as a reluctant politician, he was unexpectedly chosen as Prime Minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, marking the beginning of a unique partnership that balanced governance with coalition dynamics.

Despite facing epithets from critics, he remained resolute in his belief in democratic principles. His prophetic words during a no-confidence motion in 2008 encapsulated his ethos: “The greatness of democracy is that we are all birds of passage. We are here today, gone tomorrow. But in the brief time that the people of India entrust us with this responsibility, it is our duty to be honest and sincere in the discharge of these responsibilities.”

Legacy and personal life

Singh’s contributions to India’s economic and political landscape are unparalleled. A scholar first and a politician by circumstance, he blended growth with sustainability, championing reforms that continue to shape modern India.

He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. True to his understated personality, Singh kept his family out of the limelight during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Manmohan Singh’s journey from a village in undivided Punjab to becoming one of India’s most respected leaders is a testament to his intellect, integrity, and dedication to the nation. As Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge noted, "Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji."

With PTI Inputs